Thursday, July 21, 2016

(Fresno) - Parole Special Agents and Correctional Officers from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) from Fresno and Tulare counties, along with partners from the Fresno Police Department (FPD), joined forces today to apprehend parolees-at-large in the Fresno area. The sweep, entitled “Operation Heat,” resulted in the arrest of seven parolees, four of whom were parolees-at-large. Agents and officers also confiscated one rifle, body armor, ammunition, heroin and drug paraphernalia.

“Operation Heat allows us to work collaboratively with a strong coalition of agencies to proactively identify suspects, apprehend fugitives and stop criminal activity in its tracks,” said Ralph Piercy, District Administrator for CDCR’s Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO). “We are thankful to all our partners for helping us make our communities safer.”

The combined forces gathered intelligence on local gang affiliates by conducting field interviews, and photographing members and associates of known street gangs. This intelligence will be used for future investigations. There were no altercations, and all staff is accounted for and safe.

In all, 55 personnel were involved from various law enforcement agencies including CDCR’s Division of Adult Parole Operation’s California Parole Apprehension Team (CPAT), the Fugitive Apprehension Team (FAT) and Correctional Officers who are members of the crisis teams at Avenal and Pleasant Valley State Prisons. They were assisted by the FPD’s Career Criminal Auto Theft Team, the Metro Tactical Team, and Violent Crime Impact Teams from the Southwest, Southeast, Northwest and Northeast divisions.